Statement of Faith
THE ONE TRUE GOD
The one true God has revealed Himself as the eternally self -existent I AM, the Creator of the Universe and the Redeemer of mankind (Deut.6:4; Ex.3:14; Is.43:10,11). God has further revealed Himself as a triune Being manifested as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Is.48:16, Matt.28:19; Luke 3:22)
THE SCRIPTURES INSPIRED
The Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, are verbally inspired of God and are the revelation of God to man, the infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (II Tim.3:15-17; I Thes. 2:13, II Pet. 1:21).
THE DEITY OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal son of God and as such shares in the divinity and deity of God (Matt.1: 23; Jn.5:22-23; II Jn.3; Heb. 1: 1-13.
ORIGINAL SIN AND THE FALL OF MAN
Man was created good and upright, for God said, “…Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”(Gen. 1:26). The first man, Adam through disobedience fell from the grace of God, and thus, sin entered into the world and death by sin. Adam’s transgression incurred not only physical death for man, but also spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God (Gen.2:17; 3:6-24). Man’s propensity to sin because of his sinful nature necessitates salvation from the power of sin and a Savior to provide that salvation (Rom. 5:17-21)
THE SALVATION OF MAN
Man’s only hope of redemption and salvation from the power of sin is through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; Rom.5: 8-13; 10:9; Jas.1: 21; Eph. 2:8).
THE ORDINANCES OF THE CHURCH:
a. Baptism in Water – The ordinance of baptism by immersion in water is commanded in the Scriptures. All who repent of their sins ands believe in Christ as Savior and Lord are to be baptized. This is a declaration to the world that they identify with Christ in His death and have been raised with Him in newness of life (Matt.28: 19; Mk.16:16; Acts10:47,48; Rom.6:4)
b. The Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion – The Lord’s Supper, consisting of the elements – the bread and the cup of the fruit of the vine – is the symbol expressing our sharing the divine nature of our Lord Jesus Christ (II Pet.1:4) a memorial of His suffering and death (I Cor. 11:26), and a prophecy of His second coming (I Cor. 11:26) and is enjoined on all believers until He comes!
THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is recognized by the sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives utterance to the believer (Acts. 2:4). With the baptism in the Holy Spirit comes the endowment of power for life and service, the bestowment of the gifts or enablement of the Holy Spirit and their uses in the ministry of the body of Christ. (Lk.24: 49; Acts 1:4,8; I Cor. 12:1-31). This experience is distinct from, and can come simultaneously or subsequently with the new birth. (Acts 8: 12;17; 10: 44-46; 11:14,15; 15:7-9)
DIVINE HEALING
Divine healing was provided for all in the Old Testament (Ex.15: 22-26; Ps.103:1-3; Isa.53:4-5) and is an integral part of the Gospel. (Matt.8: 16-17; Acts 5:16; Jas.5:14-16).
These Statements of Faith* express the doctrinal stance of Christ For the Nations Japan Bible School. Teachers and employees may differ in theological views (with the exception of the first five).
(*An exhaustive doctrinal statement is available upon request: Contact CFN-Japan Inc., P.O. Box 1533, Desoto, Texas 75123)